Why pay a premium for head-turning style? The Hyundai Tucson will look great in your driveway, yet it still delivers the value and versatility you expect from a small crossover SUV. The Tucson's turbocharged engine is a keeper, too. Ready to learn what else we like? The sleek new styling of the redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson incorporates what Hyundai calls "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0" design language, which suggests it's more of an evolutionary product than a revolutionary one. After all, version 2.0 of anything is just an outgrowth of the original; it's derivative by definition. But under the new Tucson's stylish skin, there's something closer to a revolution going on. With its sprightly and fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, roomier interior and cutting-edge safety and technology features, the latest Tucson is a real threat to disrupt the compact-crossover status quo.
Pros Turbocharged engine delivers peppy acceleration and good fuel economy Plenty of advanced safety and infotainment features are available Comfortable ride on rough roads.
Cons Slow acceleration from the SE trim's non-turbocharged engine Clumsy low-speed shifting from the turbo engine's transmission Certain desirable items are only offered on the Limited Some interior materials look and feel cheap.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson caters to drivers that put styling and features at the top of their crossover-SUV wish list. The Hyundai Tucson is the smallest crossover SUV from the South Korean automaker—at least for the time being, in the U.S.—but this tidy vehicle is a great pick for families for a lot of reasons. It's new for 2016, and Hyundai hopes a thorough redesign that boosts economy, interior space, and handling will put the Tucson in the same league as vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.
Pros Upscale exterior and interior design Quiet cabin and refined ride Innovative automatic liftgate at upper trim levels
Cons Lots of hard plastic trim at lower trim levels Uninspired acceleration Less cargo space than competitors
The Hyundai Tucson enters its third generation for 2016 as an all-new compact crossover SUV. Long a competent but rather uninspiring competitor to best-sellers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, the 2016 Tucson has reinvented itself to pose a credible challenge to such stalwarts. Along with an eye-catching exterior design, this 5-passenger SUV now boasts some of the latest technology and safety aids available, such as automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The Tucson's new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder still isn't the strongest in its class, but it does earn up to 33 mpg. With a starting price of under $24,000 and improvements upon its former self in almost every category, the new Tucson is ready to take on the segment's best.
Pros If you want a small SUV with style, sophisticated technology and great fuel economy, put the 2016 Hyundai Tucson on your consideration list. Another big draw is Hyundai's excellent powertrain warranty that's good for 10 years/100,000 miles.
Cons Though its interior space has grown, the revamped Tucson's cargo capacity still trails that of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Also, it isn't as quick as a turbocharged Kia Sportage or as nimble as a Mazda CX-5.
Our analysis of automotive reviews proves that the 2016 Hyundai Tucson's exceptionally quiet, spacious interior, and ample standard and available features help it achieve one of the top spots among compact SUVs. The Tucson also has a comfortable ride, poised handling, and a smooth powertrain. Additionally, the Tucson has fantastic safety scores and earns fairly good fuel economy.
Pros Silky powertrain Balanced handling Exceptional safety scores
Cons Unimpressive cabin materials
The Honda HR-V, all-new last year, is unchanged for 2017.The HR-V uses one of Honda's clever innovations, the so-called Magic Seat that the company also features in the related Fit hatchback. The seat has flip-up rear seat cushions that, when raised, create a tall and narrow cargo area between the front and rear seats that's great for things such as a bicycle or a flat-screen TV. With all the seats in place, there's suitable space for average-size adults, too. Besides the HR-V's flexibility, it also benefits from high fuel economy and an unobstructed outward view.
Pros Easily fits average-sized adults in front and back Clever cargo solutions make it more versatile than rivals Fuel economy figures are better than most competitors Outward visibility is excellent
Cons Unimpressive power output results in lackluster acceleration Infotainment system is not user-friendly There's an abundance of engine noise and vibration
Think of the 2017 Honda HR-V as a Fit with all-wheel drive and a little more headroom. It's not as fun as it could be, but it makes a lot of sense. The 2017 Honda HR-V is a relatively new entry into the small SUV category, but it cemented its standing as the segment's practicality-oriented choice early on thanks to Honda's almost religious devotion to interior packaging.
Pros Perky body Clever Magic Seat offers great flexibility High level of standard features Manual transmission offered Absorbent, composed ride
Cons Won't win a drag race So-so safety scores Lacks some safety tech Not as fun to drive as Hondas used to be
The 2017 Honda HR-V ranks 1 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Honda HR-V ranks near the top of our subcompact SUV list thanks to its spacious cabin, quality interior, smooth ride, and excellent cargo space. This cargo space is highlighted by Honda's rear Magic Seat, which allows for multiple configurations. The HR-V also garners ample overall praise from professional auto reviewers.
Pros Flexible cargo space Spacious rear seats Quiet cabin
Cons Cumbersome available touch screen Lackluster engine
